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PNG opposition to challenge no-confidence immunity

Belden Namah says the amendment is aimed at keeping Prime Minister Peter O'Neill in power and will only entrech bad governments.

AFP: Auri Eva, file photo

Papua New Guinea's opposition has vowed to launch a legal challenge to a constitutional change which increases the grace period protecting a newly-elected Prime Minister from a no-confidence vote.

The constitutional amendment easily passed its second vote in parliament yesterday, extending the time the prime minister is protected from 18 months to 30 months.

The amendment passed through parliament with the support of 90 MPs while only 14 voted against it.

Opposition Leader Belden Namah says his party will now be challenging the legality of the change.

"We will file a supreme court reference, because we have sited in that particular amendment that it was not done properly," he said.

"In that gazette notice they only plucked out the number 18 and inserted 30 - they did not say this is the current law and then put the proposed law.

"So from the start, they've breached the constitutional process."

No confidence votes have become a frequent feature of PNG politics, and Prime Minister Peter O'Neill says the change will improve political stability and allow the government to focus on delivering services and implementing policies.

Mr Namah says the amendment is aimed at keeping Prime Minister Peter O'Neill in power and will only entrench bad governments.

"Today is a sad day in history," he said.

"The Opposition will fight for you without fear and favour by whatever legal means possible.

"If we are successful, which I believe through God's power, through divine intervention and the power of the constitution, when this law is repealed and we go back to the drawing table, the Prime Minister must resign - Peter O'Neill must resign."